About
Who Are We?
The Center for the Study of Sexual and Gender Health is a multidisciplinary coalition of academic and community partners committed to improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ people locally, regionally, and nationally. Together, we are conducting innovative research, providing education & training opportunities, and building a stronger community.
Why have a Center?
Nationally, LGBTQ communities face dramatic disparities. LGBTQ people have disproportionately worse mental and physical health outcomes across the lifespan. LGBTQ youth are 2-3 times more likely to be homeless and to attempt suicide. Many older LGBTQ adults are isolated and struggle to identify support in end-of-life care.
In the Deep South, disparities are amplified by pervasive LGBTQ-related stigma and discrimination. Alabama has few protections for LGBTQ people in housing, employment, education, and healthcare. Alabama was also one of the first states to criminalize gender affirming care for transgender and gender non-conforming youth.
Despite this challenging environment, alongside our community partners, we have not merely survived but thrived:
- We received over $3.9 million in research funding.
- We launched UAB’s LGBTQ Health and Wellbeing Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate Programs.
- We expanded our community collaborations and hosted multiple events.
Who is involved in the Center?
The Center draws on academic and community-wide expertise. Dr. Sarah MacCarthy is Center Director, Dr. Gabe H. Miller is Associate Director, and Dr. Nic Carlisle is Deputy Director. We are supported by an interdisciplinary leadership team, core faculty & staff, and community partners.
Leadership Team
Sarah MacCarthy, ScD
Director
Associate Professor and Endowed Chair
Magic City LGBTQ Health Studies
UAB School of Public Health
Department of Health Behavior
Gabe H. Miller, PhD
Associate Director
Associate Professor
UAB College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Sociology
Nic Carlisle, PhD, JD
Deputy Director
Clinical Research Coordinator III
UAB School of Public Health
Department of Health Behavior
Community Partners
